The Gravity Trap Challenge
Purpose
This fun building challenge strengthens your child's ability to plan complex actions, use both hands together for detailed tasks, and develop the 'just right' amount of muscle force needed for precision.
Activity Steps
Step 1: Set the Foundation. Have your child build a medium-sized tower (about 10-15 blocks tall) on a sturdy surface. This foundation needs to be stable enough to handle tension.
Step 2: Create the Lever. Place an index card onto one of the upper layers of the tower, allowing a small portion of the card to hang slightly over the edge. This will be the unstable platform.
Step 3: Tie the Trap. Guide your child to tie a long piece of string to a block at the very base of the structure. Then, loop the string up and over the edge of the index card ‘lever’ created in Step 2.
Step 4: Place the Keystone. Identify one specific ‘keystone’ block and balance it precariously on the index card, positioned directly over the string loop. This is the block that must fall first.
Step 5: Execute the Plan! Have your child move several feet away, holding the free end of the string. The goal is to apply tension or a quick, smooth pull on the string to dislodge the keystone block, initiating a chain-reaction collapse of the entire tower. They must judge the exact force needed for success!
Step 6: Assess and Adjust. Discuss what worked and what didn’t. Did the tower fall as planned? If not, sequence the steps again and troubleshoot the structure or the tension.
Safety Tip:
Ensure the activity area is clear of trip hazards. Supervise closely when children are handling string to prevent accidental wrapping around the neck or fingers.
